BILOXI, Miss. (March 21, 2024) – Neel-Schaffer is excited to welcome Kelly Castleberry, PE, as the new Engineer Manager of our Biloxi office on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Kelly joins us following a 28-year career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our team.

Since 1996, Kelly has been a staple in the Gulf Coast region, overseeing significant infrastructure projects, and leading recovery efforts from catastrophic events, including the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His commitment to the area extends beyond professional achievements. “We’ve raised our family here,” Kelly said. “I’m in the scouting program with my boys here. I’ve completed a lot of projects here, seen a lot of infrastructure improvements here, and I’ve been through a lot of storms here.”

As MDOT’s Area Engineer based in the Ocean Springs project office, Kelly was instrumental in the massive rebuilding process that followed Hurricane Katrina. “Hopefully, we made the infrastructure more resilient,” he said. “Now when I’m driving around and see projects that I had input in, it’s exciting to be able to say I was part of that.”

His familiarity with the Gulf Coast’s challenges and opportunities makes him the ideal candidate to lead our Biloxi office.

“There’s a lot of good people at Neel-Schaffer who I came to know over the years,” said Kelly. “The work product has always been exceptional, and it just seemed like a good fit. I want to help people, and with Neel-Schaffer that’s the No. 1 goal, how can we help our clients have success.”

“We are excited to have Kelly on board,” said Steve Twedt, South Mississippi Operations Manager for Neel-Schaffer. “His profound experience, exceptional leadership qualities, and extensive network of relationships in the Gulf Coast are invaluable assets for Neel-Schaffer. Kelly’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and community welfare aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver superior service to our clients.”

Kelly is a Registered Professional Engineer in Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University.